Barbie Juanga

San Antonio artist and zine maker Isabel Ann Castro developed this Barbie-inspired rendition of legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel (1950–2016) for a fundraiser event flier for the San Anto Zine Fest. Elaborate costumes and flamboyant pageantry characterized the illustrious career of this music icon. Known among adoring fans as ‘Juanga,’ Gabriel has an international cult following, particularly among LGBTQ+ communities. His style challenged Mexican gender stereotypes for singers by embracing the flashy aesthetic of entertainers like Elton John and Liberace. Castro’s love for toy commercial packaging and their related accessories inspired this “action figure” that she made in homage to a musician she continually watches while working in her art studio.